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Heartburn Drugs – Can They Break Your Hip?

Bel Marra Health — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:18:07 +0000

Hip fractures are serious injuries that can result in permanent functional impairment, admission into nursing homes and an increased risk of death. Approximately 300,000 Americans suffer from hip fractures every year and 225,000 (or three-quarters) of hip fracture victims are female.

Women are especially prone to fractures because their estrogen levels drop during menopause and lowered estrogen accelerates bone loss, making bones more vulnerable to serious injury. Menopause isn’t the only culprit however; a surprising new study revealed that heartburn pills also increase the risk for hip fractures in women. And the stats were no laughing matter, according to the study, which was published in the British Medical Journal, taking heartburn pills can increase a women’s risk for hip fractures by as much as 50 percent!

Heartburn – the Basics

Heartburn, which is also referred to as acid indigestion, is a condition that causes uncomfortable burning sensations in the chest. Although the pain is felt near the heart, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. Heartburn is caused by stomach problems that force stomach acids to migrate up into the esophagus, resulting in feelings of warmth and indigestion. The most common treatment for heartburn and acid indigestion is proton pump inhibitor (PPIs) drugs, such as Pepcid and Zantac. These drugs reduce heartburn by lowering acid levels in the stomach. About one-third of all adults experience heartburn and 1 in 20 Americans take heartburn pills regularly.

Heartburn Drugs and Hip Fractures. What is the Connection?

Researchers examined data on 80,000 women who had responded to a U.S. Nurses Health Study. The study examined whether or not women took proton pump inhibitor heartburn drugs (PPIs) and also whether they had suffered any hip fractures. The researchers found that women who took PPIs 3 or more times a week over a 2 year period, had a 35 percent higher incident rate of hip fractures than women who took the drugs less frequently. The longer the women took the heartburn drugs, the higher their hip fracture risk rose.

Women who also had a history of smoking were affected the most by the use of heartburn drugs, encountering a 50 percent greater risk for hip fractures. On a more positive note, steering clear of heartburn drugs for 2 years or longer, eliminated the added hip fracture risk that taking the meds caused.

“Our data suggests the importance of carefully evaluating the need for long term, continuous use of PPIs, particularly among individuals with a history of smoking,” states lead author Hamed Khalili. “These findings further support the recent decision of the Food and Drug Administration to revise labeling of PPIs to incorporate concerns about a possible increase in risk of fractures with these drugs.

The Explanation on What Causes Hip Fractures

As of yet there is no definitive explanation as to why PPI heartburn drugs increase the risk of hip fractures. However, a common hypothesis is that PPI’s can reduce acid too much, and your stomach needs acid in order to properly absorb the vitamins and minerals that are essential to bone health. In other words, the regular use of PPIs can cause nutritional deficiencies which subsequently leads to bone loss. The bone loss increases the likelihood of otherwise harmless falls to cause serious injuries, such as hip fractures.

Foods That Won’t Cause Heartburn

Dr. Wong — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 19:50:22 +0000

Approximately one third of adults suffer from heartburn and if you’re one of them you know how uncomfortable it can be when you eat a food that triggers an attack. Making careful food choices is important if you want to keep your stomach problems from disrupting your life.

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is often called acid indigestion and it is a common condition where you may feel discomfort, including burning and warmth, in your chest after eating. The pain that is associated with heartburn is caused by stomach acid. Multiple episodes of heartburn can lead to a condition called gastroesphogeal reflux disease (GERD) and frequent episodes of heart burn can lead to more serious problems such as ulcers of the esophagus. While heartburn is common in the general population, it is extremely common in pregnant women, with up to 45% of pregnant women suffering from episodes of indigestion.

Foods That Will Likely Trigger Indigestion

You are unique and what triggers stomach problems for you may not be what triggers them in someone else. It is best to keep a food diary to determine what foods trigger your indigestion. Once your food triggers are identified, it is best to avoid them completely to avoid experiencing further stomach problems and heartburn episodes. That being said, while each person is unique, there are several foods that have been identified which are known to trigger indigestion in many people, including:

- Caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, soda)

- Carbonated beverages

- Alcohol

- Chocolate

- Spicy foods

- Fried foods

- High-fat foods

- Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, etc.)

- Citrus fruit juices

- Tomatoes and tomato juice

Heartburn Friendly Foods to Reduce the Risk of Stomach Problems

There are a number of foods that can increase your indigestion symptoms so when you’re meal planning, you should try to avoid them if possible. The good news is that there are a variety of foods that are unlikely to cause indigestion, including:

RELATED READING: Natural Heartburn Remedies

Fruits – apples, bananas, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, watermelon

Veggies – baked potato, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, peas, celery and carrots

Dairy – low fat or fat-free cheese, cream cheese, sour cream and yogurt

Meat/Protein – extra-lean ground beef, skinless chicken and turkey, egg whites and fish

Grains – multi-grain and white bread, white and brown rice, bran and oatmeal, pretzels

Spices – cinnamon, basil, dill, parsley, thyme, tarragon

Treats – fat free cookies, muffins and cakes, jelly beans, red licorice

Beverages – mineral water and low acid juices

Cooking to Prevent Indigestion

If you suffer from heartburn, you can use different cooking methods which may help to alleviate stomach problems, including acid reflux. Try cooking with as little fat as possible. Skip deep frying and pan frying. If you’re going to sauté, use non-stick sprays as opposed to butter. Broiling, steaming, boiling, grilling and roasting are healthier ways to cook meats and veggies because they don’t require high levels of fat. To get flavour into your food, use heartburn friendly spices as well as broths and low-acid juices instead of oils, which are high in fat.

It addition to eating heartburn friendly foods and cooking with less fat, it is important to remember that eating large meals and eating before going to bed are likely to increase heartburn. So, be sure to pay close attention to portion control and timing of meals as well to avoid indigestion.

Detoxing – How Good is it for Better Digestion?

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 09:45:25 +0000

Today we hear a lot about toxins. There are many chemicals in the air and in the work-place. We are also exposed to chemicals through drugs, and refined foods we eat. This leads to obvious stomach problems for some people, while others simply have a gut full of toxins without really knowing it. Toxicity has been associated with a number of diseases including cancer and cardiovascular disease. For this reason detoxing and cleansing have become very popular, but if you aren’t careful, trying to clean out your gut can be harmful.

What Detox Does for Your Gut and Digestion

In simple terms, to detox or cleanse the body means that you are removing all the toxins and poison from your system. The theory is that this will lead to better digestion and better overall health. The idea of a good detox or cleansing is to eliminate harmful foods from your diet for a certain period of time and eat pure, natural foods that will help your kidneys, liver, and other vital organs function well. Some detox programs focus on a specific part of the body such as the liver or the bowel. In some cases the cleansing process can eliminate food from your diet all together. The juice cleanse is one example.

Concerns Regarding Better Digestion

If you aren’t careful in the way you detox and cleanse doctors say you won’t solve your stomach problems or attain better digestion; you could end up facing a number of unexpected problems. The duration of detox diets vary; however, gastrointestinal specialists say the longer the program, the greater the risk. They say people who conduct detox and cleansing on a repeated basis also run into problems.

A detox diet is typically slim on solid food, protein is often lacking, and sugar intake is very low. If a cleanse lasts more than a few days you can run into muscle breakdown, blood sugar problems, as well as vitamin deficiencies. Dehydration is another pitfall associated with long-term detox programs. According to the Mayo Clinic’s top nutritionists, colon cleansing can lead to cramps, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Fatigue has also been linked to a number of fasting-type diets. Studies show it is due to a lack of protein.

RELATED READING: The Pumpkin – The Ultimate Functional Food

Many nutritional experts agree that liquid or juice cleansing is one of the riskier ways to eliminate toxins from the body. They say that by day 3 the brain enters a “semi-starvation mode” so you become unfocused and irritable. Your brain is also lacking amino acids at this point so if you are prone to depression, you might start feeling down. Over the next couple of days the extra carbohydrates from the juice causes the water to flood your gut so you will likely have diarrhea. When you start to eat again by day 8 you’ll have less muscle mass to burn calories so you could end up gaining weight.

So if detoxifying or cleansing is risky then why do so many people do it? Not everyone believes that the process is hazardous when done carefully and correctly. Fasting has been around for centuries. It is rooted in religious traditions. Fasting rituals include: Lent, Ramadan, and Yom Kippur for example. The Chinese have been using fasting techniques as a part of preventative healthcare for hundreds of years. Today, many health conscious North Americans do seasonal detoxification programs. They say their summer, winter, spring and fall cleansing has the following benefits:

• Increased energy

• Weight loss

• Stronger immune system

• Improved liver function

• Improved mind and spirit

A more natural way of detoxifying is to eliminate or reduce foods that may contain toxins. If you want better digestion, it is also a good idea to remove any foods that are normally difficult for you to digest. Avoiding wheat, dairy, eggs, processed foods, red meat, and soy products would also be part of the process. Some holistic nutritionists also suggest that if you eat too often it takes energy away from your body to digest when it should be working on detoxifying. The following food items are recommended by nutritionists if you are considering a detox/cleansing.

• Raw Vegetables

• Fresh fruits

• Nuts and seeds

The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health studied detoxification quite intensely. Their research team suggests that supplements including magnesium, milk thistle and probiotics provide benefit during the cleansing process. The team also suggests moderate exercise and massage can help.

There are a myriad of detoxification and cleansing kits on the market, as well there are lots of online recipes to choose from but if you plan of doing a detox, don’t just go with your gut; talk to your doctor first.

Ultra Sensitive Stomach? These Could Help…

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 04:04:37 +0000

Most people have had stomach problems at some point in their lives but when you have an ultra sensitive stomach meal-time can be a nightmare. It’s as if food becomes the enemy. If you are one of those people who are looking for better digestion and less discomfort there are diets that can help you.

Cramps, diarrhea and other stomach problems can be a sign of irritable bowel disease, ulcers, gastroparesis or cancer. However, often times it is simply a matter of having an upset stomach. Improper food habits or a super sensitive digestive system can be to blame.

A sensitive stomach usually means that you will experience one or more of the following:

• Pain in the abdomen

• Feeling full early in the meal

• Nausea

• Bloating

• Burning sensation

Dieticians have discovered that certain foods are more tolerable for people with sensitive stomachs. These diets tend to be healthier in the long run and give the person more energy to carry out day-to-day tasks. Although everyone’s digestive system is different, the following foods have a track record of being more tolerable for those who have an ultra sensitive tummy.

• Fish and shrimp

• Stewed meat mixed with rice

• Well cooked carrots and celery

• Oatmeal

• Cooked lentils and legumes

• Rice, pasta and couscous

• Egg Whites

• Pancakes

• Waffles

• Non-fat Yogurt

• Watermelon, Honeydew, Cantaloupe, Strawberries, Blueberries

• Potatoes and Yams

The above list includes examples; there are many other foods that you can enjoy if you have stomach issues. Carbohydrates are easier to digest so they should be consumed. Some fruits can be combined with cheese so that they don’t bother the stomach. Another suggestion is to mix grains with dried or fresh vegetables and fruits. Foods that are rich in magnesium are also highly recommended because they prevent the secretion of too much acid.

What to avoid

There are certain foods that you should avoid if you have stomach problems on a regular basis. If you eliminate these foods from your diet you will experience better digestion and less pain.

• Crude fiber such as eggplant skin, cucumber and bell peppers

• Fried foods

• Alcohol

• Nuts and large seeds

• Citrus fruit

• Raw broccoli and cauliflower

• Caffeine

• Spicy foods

• Garlic and onions

• High fructose corn syrup

Special tips

When you first begin to modify your diet, it may be difficult to get all the essential vitamins and minerals that you need so some medical professionals suggest considering supplementation. Consulting with a certified nutritionist will help set you on the right track.

Some people with ultra sensitive stomachs can pinpoint exactly what they can and can’t eat, while others have to experiment and even keep a diary of their eating habits in order to figure it out. No matter what category you fall into, doctors say the way you eat can make a difference. They suggest that you eat slowly, chew really well before swallowing, and instead of eating 3 big meals per day, eat frequent small meals. They also warn: do not eat for four hours before lying down. Last but not least, try to drink 4-6 glasses of fluids per day.

Unexpected Foods Making You Suffer

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 05:17:23 +0000

Heartburn is best described as a burning sensation in the chest; however, it can also include a dull pain. It can be uncomfortable but is manageable with changes to our diet.

If you want to avoid having to turn to natural antacids or digestion aids take a close look at the foods that are known to cause heartburn and consider some of the foods that you might not expect to give you heartburn or stomach problems.

Foods Causing You Stomach Problems

There are certain foods that many of us eat and regret later because we experience stomach problems afterwards. This is much the same with heartburn. Spicy food for example is known to cause heartburn if it is consumed in large portions. Below is a list of other foods that are considered the worst offenders when it comes to causing heartburn.

• Fried foods (French fries, battered fish)

• Acidic foods (tomato puree or tomato sauce)

• Caffeine induced foods (coffee or chocolate)

• Carbonated drinks (soda pop)

• Alcohol (wine, beer, spirits)

• Fast food (burgers, hotdogs, pizza)

According to family physicians the above food items can create stomach problems for some people first and then heartburn follows. There have even been cases where people have thought they were having a heart attack and have been rushed to the hospital only to discover it was simply something they ate that triggered the burning and pain in their chest.

If you have a sweet tooth you might experience heartburn. Sugars force the body to produce acid and acid can cause heartburn. When you regularly consume foods that are high in fructose corn syrup you can expect to increase your risk of heartburn so it is wise to read the labels on all the products you purchase from the grocery store.

Interestingly, years ago people would pop a peppermint candy in their mouths to fight heartburn, but now experts, including staff at the Mayo clinic report that peppermint is a leading cause of heartburn.

Fish oil has been promoted as a preventer of heart disease; however, it can trigger heartburn. Some people are particularly sensitive to fish oils and experience extreme discomfort. Those who experience this problem often find that switching from fish oil to eating fish is a good option. Consumption of fish doesn’t normally trigger heartburn. For those who don’t like fish there are fish supplements in capsule form.

It has always been common knowledge that fried foods aren’t good for you and can cause stomach problems, but some studies have revealed that meat; no matter how it is prepared, can be a trigger for heartburn. Meat causes a burning sensation because it requires a lot of acid to break down the protein. This is why you will see people who eat large meat portions reaching for digestion aids.

There are foods that act as natural antacids. For example, bananas are considered a natural antacid. Since they are high in potassium, consult your doctor if you are taking a potassium supplement. Live cultured yogurt and foods that are high in fiber are also good natural antacids.

When Heartburn Progresses

Heartburn is a feeling that most of us have experienced at some point. It isn’t something to be alarmed about. However, in some cases it does become rather severe and can lead to a condition known as GERD, Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease. With GERD the contents of the stomach flow back into the esophagus. If left untreated it can lead to a number of complications.

Doctors and dieticians say the vast majority of heartburn cases can be avoided if people pay close attention to what they are consuming and to their portions. They say most of us can avoid that awful, burning feeling if we really try.

Can We Eventually Avoid Diarrhea?

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 05:07:04 +0000

It is an embarrassing problem that most people would rather not talk about. But with a new study from the University of East Anglia there may now be a new way to avoid the embarrassment. Or at least there is some hope in the distress associated with stomach problems, in particular, diarrhea. The recent study was published earlier in June in the journal Evolutionary Applications, and has essentially found a way to properly notice the difference between the parasites that causes the intestinal distress in humans, which can lead to a greater sense of awareness.

While the one species of parasite that causes gut problems like diarrhea is spread between individuals, and is referred to as Cryptosporidium hominis, the other form is often spread from livestock to humans and it is referred to as Cryptosporidium parvum.

What This Study of Embarrassing Stomach Problems Means

One of the lead authors of the study Dr. Kevin Tyler from the Norwich Medical School says, “Being able to discriminate quickly between the two species means it is easier to spot an outbreak as it develops, trace the original source, and take appropriate urgent action to prevent further spread.” This information about gut and stomach problems like diarrhea become very important as the awareness of the differences between the types of outbreaks which can allow for more targetted research into the initial point of contact.

Dr. Tyler continues, “Our discovery is an important advance in developing new simple and reliable tests for identifying these two species of parasite. This is the first step in discriminating outbreaks from sporadic cases, local strains from exotic ones, and tracing the source of outbreaks to an individual water supply, swimming pool or farm.”

Symptoms that involve the gut, and in particular, diarrhea are difficult to ignore, and can often come on without any sort of warning. These symptoms include:

1) Watery inconsistent stool

2) A sense of urgency

3) Cramping and stomach pain

4) Occasional nausea and vomiting

Sudden Onset of Embarrassing Stomach and Gut Problems Like Diarrhea

Sudden onset of diarrhea can be caused by any sort of contact with the known parasites. For the most part the parasites that cause diarrhea are waterbourne and easily absorbed into the system of the individual. It is for this reason that getting in contact with the contaminant is the easiest way to get diarrhea. Many will become infected by drinking water that hasn’t been properly treated, eating food that could be harboring the parasite, or spending time in known breeding grounds for the parasite such as on a farm.

Many experts say when it comes to the prevention of gut issues like diarrhea, hand washing and general good hygiene are very important. The results of the study, do show some promise in terms of narrowing the location of the parasite culprits so that avoidance becomes the better option that treatment of the eventual symptoms after contact.

Grocery Store Fixes for Nausea

Wed, 16 May 2012 04:18:57 +0000

At some point in your life, you’re going to suffer from a bout of nausea and when you do, you’ll probably be looking for natural digestion aids that will help to calm your stomach. Nausea is the sensation that your body wants to empty itself and can be disturbing to many aspects of your life. There are many causes of nausea, ranging from stomach problems to serious diseases. Occasional bouts of nausea can usually be controlled through home remedies that include natural digestion aids. However, if your symptoms don’t improve with home remedies, consult your doctor.

Causes of Nausea

You may experience nausea and/or vomiting for a number of reasons, including:

1. Stomach problems (acute gastritis – irritation of the lining of the stomach) – can be caused by infections, food poisoning, the stomach flu, peptic ulcer disease, and gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD)

RELATED READING: Natural Heartburn Remedies

2. Medications – nausea and vomiting can be a side effect of multiple drugs including those used for chemotherapy and radiation

3. Central Nervous System problems (signals in the brain that cause nausea and/or vomiting) – can be caused by headaches, migraines, inner ear problems, brain injuries, or a noxious stimulus (i.e. a strong smell, breaking a bone, etc.)

4. Other illnesses that are not stomach problems – illnesses that affect the internal organs can result in nausea and vomiting. Examples of these illnesses include: certain forms of cancer, hepatitis, Crohn’s disease, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney disease, among other illnesses.

5. Obstruction of the bowel

Remedies for Nausea

If you’re experiencing nausea there are a number of things that you can try for better digestion.

To help ease nausea, try the following:

- Ginger is one of the most widely used natural digestion aids – ginger tea, ginger snaps, crystallized ginger may help to calm stomach problems and provide nausea relief

- Peppermint is another product used in herbal medicine for better digestion as it has a calming effect on the lining of the stomach.

- Lie down – movement disturbs your inner ear mechanism and may worsen nausea

- Try acupressure points – there are two acupressure points for nausea (Pericardium 6 – located on the inner side of your wrist and Stomach 36 – located at the outer edge of your knee cap). Applying steady pressure to these areas when you’re experiencing nausea, may help to decrease your symptoms

To help with better digestion and prevent nausea try the following:

- Drink clear fluids to help prevent dehydration – water, sports drinks, popsicles, and jello are examples of clear fluids

- Follow the BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast) diet– these are light, bland foods which will allow for better digestion

- Avoid fried, greasy foods

- Eat smaller meals more frequently through the day

- Eat food and drink beverages slowly

- Rest after eating

- Avoid mixing hot and cold foods

- Avoid dairy products

Better Digestion to Prevent Nausea

Nausea can be disturbing to your regular routine and may prevent you from participating in activities that you enjoy. Helping to prevent nausea by changing up your diet routine to allow for better digestion is the best way to prevent nausea. However, if you’re experiencing occasional bouts of nausea try some of the natural digestion aids mentioned to help ease your stomach problems and related nausea. Always remember to talk to your doctor if home remedies don’t provide relief, you may require a prescription to help to control your symptoms

Do You Know Your Chances? Digestive Disease

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 02:30:01 +0000

People that suffer from digestive issues, including stomach problems, know just how embarrassing and disruptive these episodes can be. Digestive disorders are very common in Canada, with over 20 million Canadian suffering from digestive problems each year. Suffering from stomach problems disrupts an individuals’ personal as well as professional life. Many people find talking about stomach problems and their symptoms quite embarrassing. Because of this fact, the extent of digestive disease in the Canadian population is more than likely under-estimated. Odds are, if you haven’t already suffered with a digestive disorder, such as stomach problems, in the past you probably will in the future!

The digestive system is a tract that includes several different organs. The digestive system includes: the esophagus, liver and biliary system, stomach, pancreas, colon, small intestine, appendix, rectum and anus. Each part of the digestive system plays an important role in proper digestion. A digestive system that is working optimally will provide better digestion of the food and drink particles that you consume. If there is a problem in one or more areas of the digestive system, it can impair digestion and cause disturbing symptoms.

Types of Digestive Diseases

You have probably heard of some digestive diseases that are quite prevalent in society including: diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), lactose intolerance and peptic ulcers. However, there are a number of digestive disorders that you may have not heard of including: Crohn’s disease, colon and esophageal cancer, diverticular disease, dyspepsia, GERD, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, pancreatitis, ulcerative colitis, and Barrett’s esophagus. There is a wide array of digestive problems that you can suffer, sometime without any obvious symptoms.

Symptoms of Digestive Diseases

There are a multitude of varying symptoms of digestive diseases. Some people are even diagnosed with a digestive disorder without the presence of symptoms. Some of the symptoms of digestive disease are:

- Frequent heartburn, regurgitation, acidic taste in your mouth

- Bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, cramps

- Rectal bleeding, bloody stools

- Changes in appetite and bowel movements

- Pain with swallowing, mouth ulcers

When Should You See Your Doctor?

While many people suffer from stomach problems, such as occasional diarrhea or constipation, there are situations where you should seek advice from your doctor. If you have persistent diarrhea or vomiting, unexplained weight loss, extreme fatigue, persistent fever, frequent bloody stool, bloody diarrhea, sleep disturbances due to abdominal pain among other symptoms, you should speak to your doctor right away. It may mean that something more serious is going on. To rule our colon cancer, or other problems with your colon, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy.

Furthermore, colon cancer has the second highest death rate of all cancers in Canada. It is therefore very important to get regular screening for colon and rectal cancers. The Canadian Association of Gastroenterology and the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation recommend routine colonoscopy testing, even if an individual doesn’t have risk factors for colon cancer. The current recommendation for individuals without risk factors is a colonoscopy once every 10 years after the age of 50. If colon or rectal cancer is detected early, there is a better chance of survival, so get tested!

Pro and Prebiotics for Better Digestion

Probiotics are a type of “good” bacteria that may lead to better digestion as well as offer protection from “bad” bacteria. Prebiotics act as food for probiotics and when they are combined, they are called a symbiotic. Examples of symbiotics included fermented dairy products as well as yogurt. Prebiotics are found in whole grains, bananas, onions, garlic, artichokes and honey. Both prebiotics and probiotics can also be taken in the form of a supplement to help with better digestion.

Research has shown that certain strains of probiotics may help to improve your digestive health by:

- Treating diarrhea, especially after antibiotic treatment

- Treating irritable bowel syndrome

- Helping with the treatment for certain colon and small intestine infections

Most individuals can add probiotics and experience better digestion as a result with no complications. However, if you suffer from a chronic condition, consult your medical practitioner before beginning probiotic treatment.

Fiber for Better Digestion

Even if you’re not experiencing digestive problems, you should still consume fiber to support better digestion. There are two types of fiber:

1. Soluble fiber – breaks down into a gel in the colon and small intestine. This type of fiber helps to absorb water and slows digestion. Sources of soluble fiber include oatmeal, nuts, beans and apples.

2. Insoluble fiber – does not break down in the colon and small intestine; it remains relatively intact as it passes through the digestion tract. This type of fiber speeds up digestion. Sources of insoluble fiber include seeds and grains.

It is important to consume both types of fiber for better digestion. Enough fiber can help you to stay regular. It also helps to bulk up stools in order to remove them from the digestive tract. Some types of soluble fiber are even considered pre-biotics.

The prevalence of digestive disease in Canada is overwhelming, with digestive disorders costing approximately $18 billion dollars in healthcare costs and lost work productively. If you are suffering from digestive symptoms, including stomach problems, don’t be embarrassed; speak to your doctor to learn lifestyle modifications that you can make to minimize the disturbance to your life.

The Boom in Probiotics

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 07:43:12 +0000

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that usually inhabit the digestive tract. They can easily become depleted from things such as antibiotic use, antibacterial hand soap, chlorinated drinking water, overuse of harsh cleaning chemicals and overconsumption of sugar and refined foods. A depletion of these beneficial bacteria is problematic because they play an important role in your overall health; working as natural digestion aids, boosting immunity, reducing allergies, decreasing inflammation and helping to prevent stomach problems such as IBS and constipation. Probiotic supplements have become increasingly popular over the past ten years, and many alternative medicine practitioners place them as more important than omega-3 supplements and even multivitamins. Unfortunately, there is no overseeing governmental body to ensure the quality of probiotic supplements; consequently, they vary dramatically in quality.

Most probiotic supplements will state on the bottle how many beneficial bacteria they contain (most often ranging from 1 to 50 billion bacteria per capsule); however, the claims aren’t always true. Recently, Consumer.Lab.com, a leading provider of health related consumer information and independent evaluations, examined 29 different probiotic supplements to determine just how accurate the probiotic count claims were. According to the report, some of the probiotic supplements contained far few living organism then they had claimed on the label, with one of them containing a mere 57% of the organisms listed.

Whether or not the supplement contains as many living organisms as it claims on the label is not the only factor to consider when determining the quality of a probiotic. Even if the supplement contain 100 billion bacteria, it will not work as a digestion aid or help to cure your stomach problems, for instance, if it doesn’t survive the transit through your digestive system. According to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, probiotics need to be able to tolerate acidic conditions, survive and flourish in the presence of bile and metabolize selective substrates, in order for them to be effective. The ability of the bacteria contained within the supplement to adhere to intestinal cells, intestinal mucus, the gut and the colon wall is another important factor, in determining its effectiveness. Enteric coated capsules are specifically designed to survive the journey through your intestines, and FOS, a common probiotic additive, helps to enhance the ability of the bacteria to bind and flourish in your intestinal walls and colon.

There is another factor to consider when buying probiotics: what medical condition are you looking to treat? Each specific strain of probiotic will produce a different effect in your body. For instance, if you are looking for probiotics to help you with stomach problems such as ongoing diarrhea, B. longum-L. Acidophilus has been found to be far more effective than the L. acidophilus-L bulgaricus strain. If on the other hand, you’re looking to boost your immune system, the S. boulardii and L. Rhamnosus GG stains have been proven to be the most effective. Conversely, the Bifidobacteria bifidum and Bifidobacteria longum strains work most effectively as digestion aids. Finally, Lactobacillus acidophilus is the most common type of bacteria found in commercial probiotics and it works to maintain the overall integrity of your intestinal walls and to enhance nutrient absorption.

There is one final factor to consider when buying and consuming probiotics and that is storage. The probiotics should be stored in a sealed container and shielded from heat, light and humidity, states Consumer Labs. In addition, you should read the storage instructions on the container because some probiotics require constant refrigeration, and leaving them at room temperature will destroy the beneficial bacteria that they contain.